Custom Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, 1878 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4,212.99
LSB#: 240313LC001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 41317
Year of Manufacture: 1878 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 5″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel, the front sight is not original to the gun. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the top of the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a “one-piece” (actually two panels adhered to a center wood piece) checkered bone. The grip has moderate-heavy handling wear. There are open grain-lines and a few small losses at edges. The material has discolored with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The grip is generally shy to the metal. The checkering shows wear, worn smooth in some areas. Overall, the grip is in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Chrome
Finish Originality: Refinished. Serial numbers match on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The cylinder pin is not original to the gun, some other parts may have been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is generally well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its current metal finish. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish. There are a few spots of more notable erosion and pitting, mostly at the edges of the grip frame. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool-marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces light play on all six chambers. The cylinder has a removable bushing. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today!
This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1878. It is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique, showing honest wear consistent with its age. The revolver retains serial-matching parts, but has been refinished and furnished with a new grip. It has also been engraved, though it appears the engraving was cut before the new chrome finish was applied. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this late 19th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
